ABSTRACT
The sequence discussed in this chapter was recorded while Jessie and Tara were doing a task described as ‘digging’, under some trees on the edge of the playground. During most of the interaction, Polly was some distance away in the ‘fairy club classroom’ with Nazima, who had arrived late and was doing a writing exercise. The sequence can be characterized as involving a number of negative assessments about aspects of fairy club: the teacher’s names (Miss Simmins and Sarah), the place they were digging, and the overall pointlessness of the task. These assessments, or complaints, are made possible in large part through Polly’s absence from the interaction and the conversational style of turn-taking that her absence allowed. If Polly were present, talking about fairy club (particularly in a negative way) would have different consequences for the social action.
